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German in the USA
 Why teach German?

The slackline performance Building Bridges is a symbolic start for the Year of Germany in the USA. © WunderbarTogether

Excellently trained educators are vital for the existence of German programs. Are you thinking about joining their ranks? Nine enthusiastic German educators discuss why they decided to go into the profession, the challenges and rewards they are faced with on a daily basis, the support and guidance they received along the way, as well as the prospects for teaching German as a foreign language in the US. 

Jessica Burggraf © Jessica Burggraf

Jessica Burggraf

“It is important to note that German offers the most diverse opportunities and career options, and can serve as the point of differentiation for employers.”
Sarah Fetterhof © Sarah Fetterhof

Sarah Fetterhof

"I think German has good prospects as a foreign language in the US. German is even more relevant now than when I was in high school 15 years ago."
Josephine Gustavsen © Josephine Gustavsen

Josephine Gustavsen

“The most rewarding is when students approach me and tell me about how they used the language outside of class.”
Mirela Kimbrough © Mirela Kimbrough

Mirela Kimbrough

“Germany is among the top five leading exporters to the United States, so I believe that kids who want to go into the business world will benefit tremendously from learning German.”
Madeline O’Bryan © Madeline O’Bryan

Madeline O’Bryan

“Once I got my German 4 students speaking in the target language, they didn`t like to speak in English anymore.”
Scott Partenheimer © Scott Partenheimer

Scott Partenheimer

“The most challenging part of being a teaching German is being a one-man-show, so to speak."
Christina Schultz © Christina Schultz

Christina Schultz

“One of my instructors recommended that I study abroad in Germany. I followed her advice and went to Bonn, and that is what really hooked me.”

Sarah Smith

“When I need to know how well something will be received, though, I will usually ask a friend who doesn’t know German—if they can get the concept, I know it will work.”

Ian Stutzman

“Rewarding – Definitely the progress the level 1 learners make throughout their first year. They come in knowing next to no German and by the end of the year they can do so much more!”
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